Illinois Summary - 11/24/11

Chicago It's Own State

(Springfield, IL)  --  One downstate lawmaker wants to make Chicago its own state.  Representative Bill Mitchell tells the "Decatur Tribune" that Chicago's "liberal policies are an insult to the traditional values of downstate families." He's introduced a bill to separate the big city from the rest of the state.  He says he knows the proposal will face opposition from Chicago lawmakers but he at least wants to give voters a chance to make the decision. The measure could appear as a referendum in an upcoming election if it passes both chambers of the general assembly.
 
Farmland Sales Strong And Steady

(Champaign, IL)  --  Farmers are getting great returns on farmland this year.  In fact, many are bringing in almost double the average price for an acre of land.  Ag expert Darrel Good with the University of Illinois says low interest rates and high commodity prices are to blame for the strong land values.  He says values will

remain strong as long as those two scenarios persist.  The statewide average was at 58-hundred dollars an acre for the first six months of the year but some farmers have logged more than ten-grand an acre in some parts of the state.

Preliminary Firearm Deer Hunting Numbers

(Springfield, IL)  --  Preliminary numbers are in for the first weekend of firearm deer hunting.  Hunters snagged 66,500 deer last weekend.  Pike County saw the highest harvest with 19-hundred-17.  Adams County came in second with 17-hundred-84, followed by Fulton with 17-hundred-75.  The next and final weekend for deer hunting starts next Friday, December 1st and runs through December 4th.

Cellini Gets New Hearing For New Trial

(Chicago, IL)  --  Attorneys for convicted political insider Bill Cellini are getting a shot at a second trial.  A judge says if they can prove a juror in the first trial acted with bias then he'll throw the conviction out.  Cellini's attorneys claim the juror deliberately withheld the fact that she was a convicted felon during the first selection process.  That doesn't automatically disqualify her, but the defense claims her felony drug conviction presents a conflict of interest.  They'll present their case before the judge December 1st.

Tips To Healthy Holiday Eating

(Springfield, IL)  --  Eating smart during the holiday season can help you avoid packing on extra pounds.  Sara Lopinski with the SIU School of Medicine says going into the season with the right mindset is a big advantage.  She says you should watch portion sizes, avoid big feasts at work, and whenever possible, choose healthy foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables.

Yellow Dot On Vehicle Could Save Life

(Springfield, IL)  --  State officials say drivers who attach a yellow sticker to the back window of their car will provide vital information to first responders if they're involved in a crash.   The sticker will indicate there is a packet in the glove compartment containing both medical and emergency contact information.  State officials say this program will be particularly handy for heart patients, diabetics and the elderly. The yellow dot packets can be picked up at all county public health departments.